Vinyl records are much  better to listen to than any other format, especially when played back on a high-quality Hi-Fi  system. However, not all vinyl pressings are made equal. If you are an audiophile looking for  the best sounding vinyl it is important to know where to buy high quality pressings, how vinyl weight  and pressing quality affects the sound and how A2D2 Stream enables you to stream vinyl without compromising on  the quality.

Where to Buy High-Quality Vinyl: The Best Sources

When searching for the best  vinyl records, it is important to select only trustworthy sources. It is usually the case that high quality  pressings can be found from specialty retailers, audiophile focused labels and premium reissue companies. Here are some of the best places to buy audiophile grade vinyl:

Online Audiophile Retailers

1. Acoustic Sounds– Famous for reissues in high fidelity and premium pressings.

"Acoustic Sounds never disappoints! Their pressings are the best I’ve ever heard." – Michael Fremer, Analog Planet

2. Music Direct– Sells MoFi (Mobile Fidelity Sound  Lab) and other high quality records.

“….my go-to for the best MoFi releases. Unmatched clarity!" – Vinyl Collector Forum

3. Elusive Disc – Specializes  in higher end audiophile vinyl and limited editions.
4. Vinyl Me Please– A subscription  service that offers exclusive, high-quality pressings.

"….always surprises me with the quality of their limited editions." – Sarah K., Audiophile Community

5. Reverb Vinyl – Amsterdam based store which may be launching an online shop in the future.
6. Turntable Lab– A great  place to find new audiophile releases and accessories.
7. The In Groove– A well respected vinyl  retailer with a focus on sound quality.

 

Buying Vinyl Direct From Labels &  Premium Pressing Plants

1. Craft Recordings – Reissues of classic albums on  top quality vinyl with a focus on the audiophile sound.
2. Plaid Room Records –  Sells high quality vinyl pressings and reissues for the true collector.
3. Analogue Productions – Produces top tier reissues from the original  master tapes.“…. delivers the gold standard for vinyl reissues." – Steve Hoffman Forums. 
   You can buy their releases from Acoustic Sounds , Juno and MCRU.
   Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi) – Known for its UltraDisc One-Step  pressings that offer the best sound quality. "MoFi’s One-Step pressings make it  feel like the artist is in the room with you." – John Darko, Darko.Audio
4. Blue Note Tone Poet Series – Ideal for jazz enthusiasts looking for top shelf quality.
5. Intervention Records – Releases that have been remastered to near perfection and sound amazing on an audiophile  system.
6. Speakers Corner Records – 100% analogue high fidelity vinyl reissues.
7. ORG Music   – Premium pressings across various genres with focus on sonic accuracy.                  

Vinyl from Local Record Stores 

1. Rough Trade (London, UK & New York,  USA) – Carries a selection of high quality pressings.
2. Amoeba Music (Los  Angeles, USA) – New and used audiophile grade records. "Amoeba is heaven for vinyl lovers. I found a first pressing of ‘Abbey Road’ here!" – Tim S., Reddit Vinyl Community
3. Waterloo Records (Austin, USA) – A top shop for audiophile collectors.
4. The Electric Fetus (Minneapolis, USA) – A treasure trove of premium products for the vinyl  enthusiast.
5. Jazz Record Center (New York, USA) – The place to go for pristine pressings  if you’re a jazz lover.
6. Silver Platters (Seattle, USA) – Well stocked  store with high quality vinyl in multiple genres in Seattle and some other locations. 
7. Euclid Records (New Orleans & St.  Louis, USA) – Renowned for top notch 
8. pressings and an extensive catalog.

Record Fairs & Collector Groups

A lot of the time, you’ll find audiophile-grade  vinyl at record fairs from private collectors. "I got a mint Miles Davis ‘Kind of  Blue’ from a record fair. There’s nothing like the thrill of discovering something for yourself while browsing through  the shelves!’ – Mark R., Vinyl Collector  

• Discogs and reddit vinyl community can be used to find out what’s going on.
• Facebook marketplace and other vinyl  buy and sell groups are a great way to find rare items.
• Vinyl subscription services  curate exclusive, high-quality releases for subscribers.
• Estate sales and thrift store auctions can  provide rare, high-quality vinyl.
• Ig vinyl sellers have emerged as a trend to sell  rare and audiophile grade records.
• Vinyl collector podcasts and YouTube channels may give hints  on where to find rare pressings and special editions.

Understanding Vinyl Weight and Pressing Quality

The  quality of the vinyl pressings is a major factor that determines the sound clarity, depth, and overall  listening experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Vinyl Weight Matters

• Standard weight  (120-140g) – More frequent, but can be slightly warped.
• 180g vinyl – Heavier and less likely to warp, often used for audiophile releases.  “180g pressings have enhanced my listening experience a lot.” – Audiophile Reviews  
• 200g  vinyl – Heavier still and more resistant and superior sound quality.
• Ultra-clear vinyl –  A new trend in pressing quality, which reduces surface noise and increases the fidelity of playback.

Storage and  Care for Maximum Sound QualityTo make sure your high-fidelity records keep their sonic excellence, it  is crucial to store and maintain them properly:

• Use anti-static inner sleeves to stop dust from settling  in.
• Records should be kept vertically to prevent warping.
• Wipe the  surface clean with a quality record brush and cleaning solution to get rid of surface dust and debris.
• Get an ultrasonic record cleaner to thoroughly clean and restore your records to their best condition.  “An ultrasonic cleaner brought my 40-year-old records back to near-mint condition!” – David  P., Vinyl Community Forum.                                                                This means that you avoid putting stress on your turntable  stylus, which will help it read the grooves accurately and also reduce the wear on your records.

How A2D2 Stream Lets You Stream Vinyl Without Losing Quality

For those who want the best of  both worlds – the warm, analogue sound of vinyl and the convenience of modern streaming –  A2D2 Stream is the perfect solution. It allows you to:

• Pair your turntable with  wireless speakers without compromising on the sound.
• Stream over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with no loss  of audio quality. 
    “A2D2 Stream has completely changed the way I listen to vinyl around the house!”  – Matt C., Audiophile Discussion Board

Final Thoughts

If you want to get vinyl that sounds  amazing on your Hi-Fi system, then you should try to buy from reputable stores, pick heavier,  better made records, and play them correctly. Storing your records and equipment is just as important as  choosing the right pressings.  And for those who want to take vinyl to the wireless world without  compromising on the fidelity, A2D2 Stream is the best way to enjoy your records with the  convenience of the modern world while keeping the warmth and richness of the vinyl. Using cutting edge technology,  A2D2 Stream enables you to experience true audiophile grade streaming and it is therefore an invaluable addition  to any serious Hi-Fi system.

 To explore more check out some of our related blogs:

Vinyl Record Store Near Me: London

Where Can I Buy Vinyl? The Best Places to Find New and  Vintage Records

Notable Cassette Shops in Big Cities Around the World for Collectors